R.D. "Pat" Patterson

R. D. "Pat" Patterson, 82, of Ocotillo Canyon Drive, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014 at his home. There will be no visitation. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2014, 2:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Gene Harbaugh officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. R. D. "Pat" Patterson was born December 20, 1931 in Brownfield, Texas to L. D. and Naomi (Inman) Patterson. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Thomas B. Inman and Willie Sadler Inman. Pat grew up in Brownfield, he and his family later moved to Portales. At age 17 he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served for four years. Pat graduated from Eastern New Mexico and received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education. While attending college he worked at various radio stations in eastern and northern New Mexico. After graduating from college he briefly worked for an aircraft company before becoming a teacher. He taught in Farmington for 12 years before moving to Carlsbad in 1967. Pat taught in Carlsbad until he retired in 1993. He also worked for various radio stations in Carlsbad. In 1970 he married Margaret Diane Clark in Alma, Michigan. Carlsbad has been their home ever since. Pat was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder. He was active many years in the Rotary Club. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Diane Patterson of Carlsbd, NM; daughters: Emily Visness and husband, Chris of Pflugerville, Texas, Julie Trappett and husband, Dave of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren: Ethan and Malorie Visness, Jacob and Sophia Trappett; sister, Shirley McMahan of Big Spring, TX; brother, Bert Patterson of Midland, TX. Pallbearers are Danny Chavez, John Doherty, Chris Visness, David Trappett, Ron Grimes and Alan Wood. Honorary pallbearers will be Ethan Visness and Jacob Trappett. Memorial contributions may be made to Paul Harris, c/o Carlsbad Foundation, 114 South Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.